The focused jet of water under high pressure makes a unique massage experience therefore water jets can give you a much stronger and more direct massage than air jets. The water pump is less noisy than it’s air counterpart. No heat losses due to cold air being pushed into the water. Together with hot water, they are awesome for relieving sore muscles – check out this study.

Hot tubbing can include more than just some good company and hot water. Accessories can turn the whole experience into a more comfortable, more entertaining party. Hard-shell hot tubs often come with a host of accessories, like cup holders, lighting, sound systems and more. With this top pick, you will have a few additions to include when you want more from your hot tubbing experience.

Size, electrical compatibility and extra features are some of the details that must be further analyzed and compared when you are choosing the best inflatable hot tub to suit your needs. While two models may be quite pair to one each other in excellence, the specific scenario where you will have to install the tub can pose the water shed decision maker.
Small hot tubs that accommodate two adults and are designed for a more intimate experience measure about 3 to 4 feet high by 5 feet across and hold approximately 500 gallons of water. Larger hot tubs measure around 4 to 5 feet high and 6 feet or more in diameter and are built to accommodate up to 8 adults or more. They hold about 850 gallons of water.
As well as a unique 8 sided design, the Intex Octagonal 4 Seater is made with patented material which is extremely capable, yet lightweight and comfortable to the touch. Its triple layer, laminated lining is supported by Fibre-Tech which fully supports your weight. A specifically designed inflatable for 4 people, the flat corners are ideal for resting your shoulders and arms.
Be sure to store it somewhere dry, out of direct sunlight, and away from pests. Some portable spas come with a carrying bag or case. These are great for helping you get your hot tub from Point A to Point B, but they’re not the best protection for long-term storage. If you intend to put your spa away for a while, it’s best to place it in a sealed container to maintain the integrity of the vinyl while it’s in storage.
Intex is another top brand that you have to take into consideration when you go out to purchase a relaxing tub. This brand prides on providing only affordable products that are meant to last and that are innovative, delivering high-end features to those who use them. During the over 40 years since Intex has been founded, they have managed to gather a loyal base of customers that do not purchase from any other manufacturer. Their passion and the quality of their work can be best seen in great models like the 28443E PureSpa Jet & Bubble Deluxe and the 28409E PureSpa Plus Bubble Spa.
Hot SpringⓇ Spas are the hot tubs for hot tub people. Our premium and luxury spas are built with top-quality components, maximizing energy efficiency and durability. Strong pumps provide pressure via dozens of hydromassage jets. Ergonomic seats keep you comfortably in place as you melt into your warm soak. Entertainment options provide the perfect mood for solitary relaxation or social get-togethers. If you’re looking for a hot tub, don’t go halfway—go Hot Spring. Click here to download our brochure!
There are a lot of differences between these two types of hot tubs that can cause confusion for those that are looking for a solid purchase. Since inflatable hot tubs have come a long way over the years, they are really starting to cover a lot of the features that portable hot tubs have already covered. This means that deciding between the two has become more difficult than ever since they have a lot of the same pros and cons. Neither one is necessarily better than the other, so it isn’t as easy as saying that portable hot tubs are better than inflatable hot tubs. Below is a short guide on how to differentiate between the two when deciding on a purchase so that you can narrow it down to what you really want.
Most of the inflatable hot tubs have air jets. They are cheaper to manufacture and provide affordable but amazing massage. How come they are so cheap? Well, they reuse the same blower that inflates your spa when setting it up for pushing the air through a hose into a ring on the floor with holes in it. While this doesn’t sound very sophisticated, the massage and tinkling feeling on your skin is actually very pleasant.
The design and structure of the tub is just as important as the materials used to make it. Many manufacturers use a segmented inflatable design, reinforced with a vertical I-beam structure inside. These internal vinyl panels make for a sturdier tub, one that can support users leaning against it or even sitting directly on the outer wall of the spa. Premium portable hot tubs add another level of stability and protection with interlocking panels that surround the inflatable tub. Made of waterproof composite materials, these panels provide a rigid wall that protects and insulates the hot tub.
One thing to note about the Bestway Miami is that, unlike other inflatable hot tubs in this list, the Miami has bubble jets around only three quarters of the inside cirumference. This means there is a section inside the hot tub where there are no direct bubbles. You still get water swirling around you. Just no direct contact with the bubble jets. On the upside, some customers say this is a good thing. Having a section with no direct bubbles caters for those that don't like bubbles, or can give you a break from them without getting out.
The most important element is the number of jets that it comes with. The higher the number, the better because they work together to provide a comforting massage that helps you relax, relieve stress, and soothe the tension in your muscles. Jets come in many types, but they all serve the same purpose, being the most important aspect that people must take into consideration when shopping.
You’ll notice right away that saltwater feels softer, almost like a mineral bath. The salt used is sodium chloride, which is essentially regular table salt. It’s also the same salt that is in the ocean, but only about a tenth of the amount. Get a 40 lb. bag of pool salt, add 2 lbs. per 100 gallons of spa water, and you’re ready to go! The salt is very cheap, about $7 per bag. The slightly salty spa water leaves your skin feeling refreshed, not irritated, like bathing in mineral spring water.
One of the problems of this bath tub is the material that is used to manufacture it. As mentioned above, inflatable hot tubs are flexible and easy to carry but it is these same properties that make it vulnerable to various elements. Sharp edged objects lying around the house as well as elements in nature such as thorns and stones pose the risk of damaging the hot tub. Once the hot tub is perforated, there is almost no way of restoring it to its previous glory. Additionally, these bath tubs can only be utilized to a certain extent after which the wear and tear makes it necessary to look for a replacement. The disadvantage of owing an inflatable bath tub is that you have to take utmost care in protecting it from natural elements and climatic factors that might damage it.
One of the problems of this bath tub is the material that is used to manufacture it. As mentioned above, inflatable hot tubs are flexible and easy to carry but it is these same properties that make it vulnerable to various elements. Sharp edged objects lying around the house as well as elements in nature such as thorns and stones pose the risk of damaging the hot tub. Once the hot tub is perforated, there is almost no way of restoring it to its previous glory. Additionally, these bath tubs can only be utilized to a certain extent after which the wear and tear makes it necessary to look for a replacement. The disadvantage of owing an inflatable bath tub is that you have to take utmost care in protecting it from natural elements and climatic factors that might damage it.
Your inflatable hot tub should not be placed in an environment with temperatures less than 4ºC or 40ºF. This can cause irreversible damage to your hot tub’s pump and heater. If your inflatable hot tub is placed in your patio, backyard or lawn, it is best to transfer it to a warmer location inside your home or just pack and store it away during the winter season.
Saving electricity and gas is something we all aim for. Not only does it keep our wallets thick, it also helps the environment stay healthy and clean. Softub spas require little energy. Softub plugs into a regular household outlet and once heated, only costs $14.00 or less per month to keep warm and ready for use. Compare that to a stationary spa, where the average electric bill can cost up to $70.00 per month!

Considering all the hard work that goes into putting up a regular hot tub, an inflatable one is easy to own and maintain. You inflate it and add water, and you have a great soak spot. You don’t even need more than one person for the job; you can set up your hot tub on your own in the comfort of your home without a struggle. On the other hand, there is no avoiding the use of hot tub experts when you want to install a regular hot tub unless you are an expert yourself.

In addition to the ground mat, valve wrench and pressure gauge, the Lay-Z-Spa also comes with one filter cartridge, a chemical floater, a patch kit and an instructional DVD that covers set-up and maintenance. The warranty is less generous than other models. It covers the heater pump for one year, but only covers the inflatable tub for 90 days and the accompanying hoses and fittings for a mere 30 days.
Cover: if you spot a model that includes the cover, it is a plus, however don’t take the cover of an average model as an advantage just because it has a cover. They are quite important to keep your tub not only hotter for longer but also to protect the water from getting contaminated with sitting dust and any other contaminants from the air, from leaves to insects that may be really looking for water. Most brands that don’t include the cover sell it separately.
Slow To Heat – These have electric heaters and not gas like the in ground or acrylic may have. The rule of thumb is to expect about one hour wait time for every 2 to 3 degree rise in temperature. So if you don’t plan to keep it on all week, start heating it up Saturday morning or Friday night for the weekend. But this is also a money saver since these spas need much less water and have awesome insulation you could keep it heated at all times for pennies more. Or be a diligent saver and only heat it up when you know you want to use it. Just give yourself some head-start time.